Each week, we will introduce a ranking of NHL players or teams based on something different on every occasion.
While NHL general managers are usually scrutinized most on the big free-agent signings, trades and draft picks, a major part of taking a team to the top is managing the salary cap. All decision makers try to keep their top players, which leaves them with limited resources otherwise. That means in order to win, GMs must fill out the rest of their roster smartly.
Finding bargains, whether it is in-house or on the market, is essential to making it to the top. This week, we look at the NHL's best bargains. Note that players on their entry-level contracts are ineligible for this list, because every young star player on their ELC equates to a pretty good bargain.
All on-ice stats listed here are courtesy of HockeyAnalysis.com, while cap hits are courtesy of Cap Geek.
1. Tyler Johnson, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
2014-15 cap hit: $3.3 million
Key stats: Six goals, 15 assists, 3.38 points per 60 even-strength minutes, 55.0 Corsi
The Lightning's fearless offensive dynamo was overlooked by every NHL team, going undrafted, in part because of his 5-foot-9 frame. Yet, he has been explosive as a pro, dominating the American Hockey League to the tune of 68 goals in two minor league seasons, and then catching Calder Trophy attention last season with 50 points. This season, Johnson has continued to shine, nearing a point-per-game pace. It seems appropriate that he is starring for the same club that discovered Martin St. Louis.